Give businesses a fighting chance

PUBLISHED: 18:04 29 October 2008 | UPDATED: 15:54 11 May 2010

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Royston. It is vital that we give them a fighting chance to get through the recession. The Government has given a massive bailout to the banks. But ministers must now look at the bigger economy. Small

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Royston. It is vital that we give them a fighting chance to get through the recession.

The Government has given a massive bailout to the banks. But ministers must now look at the bigger economy.

Small businesses are suffering from the downturn. Profits are being squeezed and jobs are at risk. A big cut in interest rates will be a boost to many local businesses and could mean the difference between staying open or closing down.

Nick Clegg and Vince Cable have taken the lead with their plan to help businesses and we are giving it our full backing.

Council leader Steve Count is planning a “gesture of unity” by handing back part of his allowance in support of the 1,800 county council staff forced to take unpaid leave this Christmas as part of cost saving measures.